Evaluating Gemstone Deals & Setting Considerations: A Guide

Question
Hello Thomas.Anu here.I have been checking out a pear shaped amethyst on ebay.The seller says it is vvs1 and costs about USD25.he says its natural and uruguayan.Please let me know if its a good deal.Its roughly 13cts.If i purchase it can i set it in a ring and whats the best metal to set it in?
Also why are loose gemstones far cheaper than set ones?Thankyou.

Answer
Anu, do not quickly come to the conclusion that loose stones are far cheaper than set stones. In many cases, in fact with some jewelry we sell, we could not replace the stones for a lower cost than paid the first time.  I do agree that the combination of stone and jewelry together may bring a higher price for the stone if the design is so striking to bring the customer to pay more for specially fine work.

Also, there is the price of metal and manufacturing of the jewelry item. Add to this the labor of setting the gemstone.  In the case of the amethyst you consider, the jewelry will almost certainly be much higher priced than the stone and much of the price paid will be covering the cost of the jewelry itself with a smaller portion needed to make profit on the stone.

There is no way for me to tell you if the amethyst is a good deal.  I cannot see the stone and judge the quality. The stone should be clean, free of visible defects especially in amethyst. How is the color? Is the stone light in color or is it rich purple?   Is the purple a color deep enough to appear rich to the eye but not too dark?  Does the stone look good in the light so you see reflections from the bottom facets faces and do not look through the stone like a window?

You will need to check the color and size against other amethyst stones for sale and compare quality and prices.  Then make a decision.

What metal to use? I prefer yellow gold for amethyst and in some parts of the world this color is more easily accepted.  If gold is too costly for you to spend on this stone, then use sterling silver.

Anu, I do hope this answer will help in a small way. You understand why I cannot judge the value of the stone, knowing so little about it except clarity and carat weight.

God Blessings and Peace.     Thomas.